In a word, yes. High blood pressure is one of many health conditions that have a bearing on the rate an insurance company will charge. Companies are usually pretty understanding of high blood pressure assuming the applicant is maintaining somewhat normal readings with medication.
If you have high blood pressure, the insurance company will want to see a year of controlled readings in order to get the best rates.
High blood pressure (hypertension) that is uncontrolled can cause a policy to be rated up or even declined, especially if it is in conjunction with another health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Some insurance companies look at your average blood pressure reading over a couple of years, while others will ask if you had any readings over a certain number in the past year or so.
Some insurance companies will rate Preferred Plus just as long as all other health is in that range and blood pressure is well controlled. Some will only rate as good as Preferred or lower with use of blood pressure medication. The type and number of meds taken can also make a difference.
By using an agency that carries a number of companies, you can find the one that rates you best based on your particular hypertension details.
Co-Founder, Coastal Financial Partners Group, California
Hypertension can impact the underwriting process for life insurance. It really depends on how well it is controlled by medication or by other means. Other related conditions may add complexities. Uncontrolled situations may lead to postponement. However, in well controlled situations, it may have little impact on rates such that even preferred rates may be available.
Agent Owner, Gilmore Insurance Services, Marysville, Washington State
How does high blood pressure effect life insurance? HBP effects the rate class you are given by underwriting. You could possibly be a decline if your blood pressure is too high and untreated. High Blood Pressure is linked to heart conditions and underwriters are concerned about untreated high blood pressure.
On the other hand, a person with high blood pressure who has had treatment (medications) and shows good control of the problem, can even secure a preferred rating with some companies.
Hypertension and high blood pressure can affect life insurance pricing because the risk to the life insurance company is greater. However, in recent years, “managed” hypertension and high blood pressure with medication and annual doctor visits can "mitigate" some of the exposure to the life insurance companies. There are significant differences in underwriting practice from company to company. We monitor the companies known in the market as benevolent underwriting.
Yes, having uncontrolled high blood pressure can affect life insurance. It can cause the premiums to go very high or even cause the policy to be declined. This is especially true if the hypertension is in tandem with other health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or renal disease.
On the other hand, blood pressure that is well controlled with medication may only affect your rates slightly, or not at all. Using a broker with many options will help you get your best rate while having high blood pressure.
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If you have high blood pressure, the insurance company will want to see a year of controlled readings in order to get the best rates.
Some insurance companies look at your average blood pressure reading over a couple of years, while others will ask if you had any readings over a certain number in the past year or so.
Some insurance companies will rate Preferred Plus just as long as all other health is in that range and blood pressure is well controlled. Some will only rate as good as Preferred or lower with use of blood pressure medication. The type and number of meds taken can also make a difference.
By using an agency that carries a number of companies, you can find the one that rates you best based on your particular hypertension details.
On the other hand, a person with high blood pressure who has had treatment (medications) and shows good control of the problem, can even secure a preferred rating with some companies.
On the other hand, blood pressure that is well controlled with medication may only affect your rates slightly, or not at all. Using a broker with many options will help you get your best rate while having high blood pressure.